Knit half finger gloves Machine Knitting Pattern

Knit Half Finger Gloves Machine Knitting Pattern

What is Being Made

This pattern creates a pair of short half finger gloves designed for machine knitting on standard gauge knitting machines. The gloves feature an open finger design, making them suitable for activities requiring finger dexterity while maintaining wrist and palm warmth. The pattern is offered in two sizes: Woman's size M with a circumference of 17–20 cm (7–8 inches), and Man's size L with a circumference of 20–22 cm (8–9 inches).

Techniques Used

This machine knitting pattern utilizes several essential techniques for creating structured, fitted gloves:

• 2x2 Rib Construction: The gloves are built using a 2x2 rib stitch pattern, which creates vertical columns of knit and purl stitches that provide elasticity and a fitted appearance around the wrist and hand.
• Dual-Bed Machine Knitting: The pattern is designed for standard gauge knitting machines with both a main bed and a rib bed, allowing simultaneous knitting on two beds to create the ribbed fabric efficiently.
• Thumb Hole Creation: A thumb opening is formed using auxiliary yarn (waste yarn) in a contrasting color. This temporary yarn is manually knitted into the glove at a specified row, then later removed and picked up to create a finished thumb hole.
• Cast-On and Cast-Off: The pattern uses a cast-on comb and transfer needle to establish stitches and manage the transition between knitting beds.
• Tension Management: Separate tension settings are used for the main bed (tension 4) and rib bed (tension 3) to ensure proper fabric balance and elasticity.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is a 2x2 rib, which alternates knit and purl stitches in a regular pattern. This creates a reversible, elastic fabric with vertical ridges that stretch and recover well, making it ideal for fitted garments like gloves. The rib stitch provides both aesthetic appeal and functional stretch necessary for a comfortable glove fit.

Materials and Yarn

The pattern calls for specific materials to achieve the correct gauge and fabric quality:

• Main Yarn: Drops Baby Merino in sport or sock weight (4–5 ply), requiring 50 grams for the completed gloves. This fine yarn weight (approximately 12 wraps per inch) provides a soft, breathable fabric suitable for hand wear.
• Auxiliary Yarn: 10–15 grams of waste yarn in a contrasting color, used as a temporary placeholder for the thumb opening.
• Machine Requirements: Pattern is compatible with all standard gauge (4.5 mm) knitting machines, with specific testing completed on the Brother KH-860/KR-830 model.
• Notions: Cast-on comb, transfer needle, and weights to manage stitches and maintain proper tension during knitting.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

After washing, the gloves achieve a gauge of 36 stitches by 42 rows per 10 cm (4 inches) when stretched, using main bed tension 4 and rib bed tension 3. The cast-on width is 32 stitches for Woman's size M or 36 stitches for Man's size L, with the glove body knitted for 44 rows (Woman's M) or 48 rows (Man's L) before the thumb opening is introduced.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, suitable for knitters with prior machine knitting experience. Success requires familiarity with dual-bed machine operation, understanding tension adjustments, and proficiency with auxiliary yarn techniques for creating shaped openings.